Accel Gel review

Triathlon Forum
1

Well, after waiting three weeks for the stuff to come off backorder, I finally got a box of the new Accel Gel from the Accelerade/Endurox people. I really like both Accelerade and Endurox for training and racing, so I was very excited to try the new gel. I ordered Vanilla, since that’s my favorite Gu flavor.

The packet is 1.4 ounces, and has 90 calories, 20 G carbs, 5 G protein, and 0 fat. Also, it has 95 mg sodium and 40 mg potassium, along with 100% of your needed vitamin C.

The top of the packet was really hard to open. Due to the tear-off tab being really narrow, and not being notched, I found it impossible to open with just my hands. I had to tear it open with my teeth.

The gel itself was different than any other gel I’ve ever tried. It had the consistency, texture, and flavor of Milk of Magnesia. At least, that’s the immediate impression I got when I squeezed it out. It goes down easy, and since it’s pretty thin, you can get all of it out without too much trouble, unlike many other gels. Once I washed it down, there was no residual taste.

As far as how well it works, it’s kind of hard to say(because there are so many subjective factors). I ran 10 miles this morning, and was feeling pretty lousy because I’m still getting over a cold of some particularly vicious sort. Also, I rode 60 miles and ran 3 yesterday. I took one gel at around 5 miles and another around 7.5. The gel caused no GI discomfort, and about 15 minutes after taking the first one, I started feeling a little better. My legs didn’t feel as heavy for most of the second loop as they did for the first loop.

So what’s my bottom line? I think that if you like the Accelerade product, and want another option for training and racing, this is a good one. It’s a little different than what you’re used to, and is more expensive than other gels, but so are the other specialized gels coming out now(i.e. e-gel.) It will also be good for people who want to put a little protein into their nutrition scheme. They could stand to work on the flavor, and they definitely need to make it easier to open when you’re sweating and on the move.

2

Okay, let me just say that I am not simply bumping this thread for my own edification. I wanted to update my original review.

I tested the Accel Gel again this weekend, this time on both a like ride and on a long run. I still find that the package is difficult to open without scoring the tab, and even then, you need to use your teeth. I just couldn’t open the packet without my teeth, and almost crashed trying to do so on the bike.

As far as the flavor goes, one word: NASTY! If you haven’t tried it yet, suffice it to say that the flavor and texture is such that as soon as it gets in your mouth you want to do one thing: Spit it out. Yuck! I had to force it down. It’s saving grace is that once you wash it down, it’s gone. There is no residual flavor.

As far as how well it works, I think it works pretty well. It works at least as well as Gu, and seems to relieve muscle fatigue somewhat(whether this is due to the protein, the electrolytes, or both, I do not know.) It definitely digests more readily than Gu.

I’m going to email the Endurox people with my concerns. Maybe they’ll make some changes.

3

Did you try all 3 flavors? If so, is one better than the other 2?

4

No, it was only available in cases, and I didn’t want to buy three cases. I’d like to try the others, but generally, I don’t care for chocolate or fruit flavors in gels.

On a related note, I just got the new new improved flavor Endurox (Fruit Punch) and this is the second time since I’ve been using it that they have changed the flavor for the worse, IMO. It now tastes like Hawaiian Punch.